Courage, mothers!

Courage, mothers!

“If I were Satan and wanted to destroy a society, I think I would stage a full-blown blitz on its women. I would keep them so distraught and distracted that they would never find the calming strength and stillness for which their sex has always been known.” – Patricia T. Holland in her message, “Strength and Stillness.”

Yes, Satan’s blitz on women blows full blast. We’re feeling it. Distractions crackle, snap and pop from every direction. They sparkle in appealing forms and sound as loud as sirens. Yet, I see women firmly fixed – poised tall, still and with smiles. They are undaunted. They stand steadfast, with purpose and positivity. They identify and ignore Satan’s tactics

… and if one falls wounded and weary, a whole society of sisters surrounds them with relief and refreshment. Together, sisters, we can do this. We truly can.

“Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren, and on, on to the victory. Let your hearts rejoice and be exceedingly glad … “ D&C 128:22

This was our scripture to ponder and memorize this week. The word “brethren” can be personalized to suit your soul. It could read, “Sisters” or “Faithful friends” or “Children” or “Poe Family” or “You who is reading this” …. Try slipping in your particular words or name, and feel the power as He calls you to your work. For this purpose, I am going to replace “Brethren” with “Mothers”:

“Mothers, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, mothers, and on, on to the victory. Let your hearts rejoice and be exceedingly glad … “ D&C 128:22

Mothers, our cause is great. We must go forward. We must have courage. And we will have victory.

I asked my children to set up their green army guys so we could make a picture to go with our scripture of the week. I didn’t mention anything about mothers, because we had stuck to “brethren” in our memorizing … but I did ask them to slip something in that would soften the “war” like scene. They picked a smiling princess. Perfection.

Mothers, we are the peaceful princesses who stand out on the battlefield. Though the world grumbles and groans, and the blood and sins stain the earth, we can soften the blow when we rely on the characteristics God has given us. May we cling to the sweetness, calming strength and nurturing abilities God has given us. May we gladly stand out, and smile. We are to be a “peculiar people” – may we be peculiar in our positivity, our perspective and our eternal purpose.